Fifteen Manitobans including Virden Mayor Jeff McConnell will serve on a transitional council that will guide the future development of a college of paramedics.
He told the Empire Advance that he was asked to sit on the council and accepted because he’s interested in “helping to create the full governance model of the college from the outset of the process.”
In announcing the council, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen said, “Paramedics are a critical part of our health-care system. The move toward self-regulation recognizes the fact that they are professionals who are continuing to improve their skills and their service to Manitobans.”
Membership on the council includes public officials like McConnell, emergency medical responders, paramedics, and firefighter/paramedics representing northern and rural Manitoba and Winnipeg.
Virden paramedic Wayne Chacun is pleased with the news that his profession has moved another step closer to self-regulation and that McConnell will be part of that process.
“The Council is extremely fortunate to have Mayor Jeff McConnell as a member.
“His years of being the mayor of Virden will bring the much needed knowledge of a rural politician. I’ve had many conversations with Mayor McConnell over the years and he is a man who understands the value of prehospital care.”
The Regulated Health Professions Act will bring all regulated health professions under one umbrella piece of legislation.
